How things are.

Today is the last full day of school for the girls. And I'm happy and anxious, both.

Truth is, things have gotten much easier as they've gotten older, but I'm still left with some residual panic and dread about having all of them here, with nothing to do. And then, them finding something to do. Something that usually involves a lot of mess and noise and chaos.

I think I suffer from post-traumatic stress from when they were all little, and things would get really out of control. It's better, now. On so many levels. But still.

So, Anna and I are waiting by the door for them. Sitting on the steps, listening to the creek and the birds, and watching it rain now and then. Moving back up into the doorway until it stops sprinkling. Having one last quiet snack before nap. Before the sistahs get home.

Our routine is about to be upended. And that's ok. I'm looking forward to it, in many ways. I find that usually the anticipation is so much more difficult than the reality. The doing. The actual living of it.

::

And some random links:

Abby's beautiful photographs, and her blog.

Which led me to this place: Heaven. I'm definitely making Tim drive us up there in the next couple of weeks. I must go to this place. Must.

It reminds me of The Artisan Cafe, in Trumansburg, NY outside of Ithaca, where Tim and Anna and I had lunch last summer, before the crushing discovery that the Ithaca Farmers Market was no longer open on Thursdays.

Speaking of Ithaca, and beautiful blogs, and beautiful photos, (and just plain beautiful, by the way), Leya of Curious Bird was a big help in getting me excited to try camping again this summer. And for that seemingly impossible feat, Tim says thank you.

I'm honored and thrilled to be a guest over at echoes. I'm very shy about my contribution today however, as it is my first ever attempt at a painting. But I was encouraged and inspired by Emily, and so I gave it a try. Be kind.

And lastly, if anyone knows some voodoo to make the sun come out, please step in any time now.
More tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
tt